“I think it’s real important … education pays, and you need to be at a certain level,” the base’s education chief, Peter Harris, said.

There was a 20-percent increase in universities participating in the education fair this year, with more than 60 attending. More than 200 people walked through Marston Pavilion during the first hours seeking information on the recently reinstated tuition assistance program, the G.I. Bill and higher education opportunities from across the country.

“It’s thousands that actually use tuition assistance,” Harris said. “We have 20 to 30 thousand who use our services (at the education center).”

One of the universities present was the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, which was advertising both their Wilmington campus and their extension program.

“We’re flexible,” university representative Kelly Moore said. “We offer classes at UNCW, Coastal Carolina Community College and on Camp Lejeune. Having multiple locations makes it easier to pursue education.

“We fit the needs of the community into our programs because it’s what they want.”

The extension program is cheaper to use than going to the main campus but not enough people know about it, Moore said.

“It gives them options and saves them money,” Moore said. “And we’re trying to get people to know we’re here so they don’t need to relocate in order to get a great education.”

Lauren Preston, a Marine dependent originally from Wilmington, was interested in the UNCW nursing program.

Across the base at the Goettge Field House, a job fair had more than 100 companies accepting resumes and scheduling interviews. The Norfolk, Va. police department traveled more than five hours to recruit Marines and sailors from aboard the base.

“Marines are good quality candidates,” said officer Daniel Hudson, 35, of Chesapeake, Va. “We find when we have Marines they bring experience and attitude to the academy, which helps other applicants through who don’t have the military background.”

The next academy begins in September, and Hudson was looking for a few good men and women.

“Marines have discipline, and to be able to be an effective police officer you must have discipline,” Hudson said. “What we have is a Marine who can take care of the situation without hesitation and then receive orders from supervisors on the next objective. Goal-orientated, task-orientated — Marines are excellent in law enforcement for that reason.”

One Marine, Aaron Kinsley, 30, of Howell N.J. was perusing the job fair for employment advice rather than a job.

“I was accepted to UNCW, so I’ll pursue a degree in information systems but I’m here to see what’s out there and see what companies are looking for so I can tailor my education to what they want,” Kinsley said. “It’s all about looking ahead to discover the best way to market myself after graduation.”

Transitioning to civilian life is exciting, said Kinsley.

“It’s a different pathway than I’m used to but I’ve thought about it for a long time,” Kinsley said. “I’m preparing for the next step in life and it’s going to be truly interesting.”